Lallee's Cottage

The Winner is........

2009-11-13T08:49:00.006-05:00

Thank you one and all for stopping by
and entering my give-away.

I'm working my way through visiting each one
of your blogs.
XOXOXOXO!!!!!

Welcome to all the new visitors!
I hope you will visit again.

The winner of this....

....and the other goodies was chosen by using the
counter at random.org.

And now, what you are waiting to hear.....

the winner is #30!

Kathryn, your package will be in the mail on Monday.
Enjoy, and I hope it keeps you (or one of your grands)
cozy this winter.

Coming next on Lallee's Cottage:
The office makeover.
Did you think I forgot????
No way!

A Thank You Give-Away

2009-11-06T10:31:00.005-05:00

This thank you is way overdo! I have appreciated your support for my crochet work whether it be via your compliments, your comments, and/or your purchases. Selling publicly was a BIG, BIG step for me. Unbeknown to you, I used the profit from my Etsy sales to give an additional donation to my church for the building of a beautiful youth center. This wonderful facility was completed this past year. Many students from our community enjoy fellowship there and hear the gospel of God's love for them. Thank you so much!

As a small token of how much I appreciate you, I would like to give away this crocheted afghan made in cheerful cottage colors. It's a small size to keep your lap warm or decorate your cottage.

Some extra goodies will be added to it too.

To put your name in the hat, just leave a comment in this post. If you don't have a blog identity, you must leave an email address. I will keep the drawing open until Thursday, November 12; midnight, EST.

Again, thank you for your visits and comments.

I couldn't have done this without you!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

A Wedding Weekend

2009-10-26T10:50:00.005-04:00

We spent the weekend in Orlando to attend the wedding of a couple very dear to us. The bride was as beautiful as I expected, and the groom was as handsome as ever. My youngest son served as the best man. He looked very dapper too......and I forgot my camera! All the photos were taken with our phone.

We stayed at a beautiful resort where the reception was held. Are you always eager as I am to see what your room is going to look like? I was not disappointed.

The weather was beautiful, as was our view from our 11th floor room.

We partied like we were 20 years old and woke up feeling like 80 years old. LOL No regrets. It was a grand event to celebrate. We would not have missed it for the world. Wishing the bride and groom God's very best blessings for their marriage.

I have the office to finish putting back together, tons of files to sort through and toss. Hello Monday. How was your weekend?

It is Very, Very Quiet!

2009-10-22T06:43:00.007-04:00

It is very, very quiet in our office and my desk has been dismantled. I took an unintended blogging break while we redid our office with new carpet and desks. Mr. H and I could not take the clicking, clicking, clicking of the dog nails on the parquet floor any longer! He works full time in this home office and it was not making for a very professional atmosphere while on conference calls. It was also wearing on our nerves. We packed up everything in the office, and then placed it all over the house until the commercial carpet was installed--furniture, boxes, and zillions of books. My desk gets delivered today and I will do a full reveal next week when things are in place.

Here is what has been going on while we were busy working. The house was a mine field of fun for the cats. The kitties saw all of it as their personal jungle gym. They have played and played, and then played some more.

Finnegan wants to know how Chelsea got in that box. The poor dear kept scratching on the outside trying to get her.

They love playing under Mr. H's new desk. Our old desks were not accessible this way.

Here's a sneak peak of Mr. H's side and his new desk. Notice the Scotties are already back on their daily patrol. Construction did not deter them one bit. They were relieved I was leaving the bench for them so they could stay employed too.

Sawyer says come back next week to see the rest. No more clicking of 12 paws!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A big thank you to Tina of Cherry Hill Cottage for choosing Lallee's Cottage in her top ten of cottage style blogs on blog.com. What a wonderful surprise!!! I love visiting her blog and seeing her wonderful decorating.....and then there are her wonderful recipes. I've made her Heavenly Cake three times recently. I now sport heavenly wide hips to prove it. Unbeknown to Tina, I invited friends over this evening to try her Chocolate Cobbler. My friends said, "Chocolate what?" They're British. I said I was sure we would need some vanilla ice cream to cut the chocolate ;-) Thank you, Tina. I will be saluting you tonight!

So What Did I Decide?

2009-09-25T13:43:00.008-04:00

My dear, dear blogging friends. You are the best! Thank you so much for all your suggestions and thoughts for the two pieces of furniture I was contemplating painting. It was huge help in moving me toward a decision. So.......here is what I decided. The little oval table will stay just as it is. I agree that painting would make it too dark and it would be lost. I love the details around the edges and didn't want to lose that part. Next, notice that the desk is no longer behind the sofa. It has been moved to another room and this table has been ordered as a replacement. I think it will go nicely.

Becky asked what about putting some pillows on the couch. Well Becky, I snorted laughing when I read your comment because it was from you of all people. That's because I have a pillow bandit in the house. I actually do have an assortment of pillows that belong on the couch. I forgot to put them back on when I was taking the photos last week. You see, the Pillow Bandit continually knocks all the pillows on the floor!!!! You'll never guess who it might be--none other than Oliver. Ollie, put your ears back up, you're not in trouble. I just had to explain to Becky. Somehow I know she understands about my plain looking couch now ;-)

Now, let's go see where that desk went to. Let's walk back to the studio.

The desk/dresser is now where I always wanted it to be. I already had the matching dresser and nightstand back here. I justed needed for hubby to remove some equipment he had back here to make room.

I still plan to do some furniture painting--bright colors painting. This is my cheerful get-away room, and the space I am really free to do just what I want. Let me say though, I am slow about getting furniture painting done. I'll get to it probably long after you've forgotten this post. LOL If you look in the dictionary, you'll see my photo by the word procrastination.

I did some cleaning up while I was back here--still playing with the set up. I'm going to try to keep the table under the window less cluttered so that it remains a true work space. I would like to remove the covers on it and then cover just the top with maybe some oilcloth. Right now I have shipping boxes stored below which aren't too pretty. I need to clean out a hall closet and then hopefully they will store there instead.

The studio remains a work in progress, but this made me feel a step closer to how I want it to look and function.

Again, BIG THANK YOU for helping me think all this through. You must come back because I am putting together a give-away for you precious friends! Don't forget!

To Paint or Not to Paint

2009-09-16T09:14:00.008-04:00

To paint or not to paint--that is the question.

I've been debating for a very long time about painting my two white pieces of furniture in the living room black. My style has always been somewhat eclectic so my tables are a real mix of styles. The above photo gives you the overall look. So.....I bring the question to you my blogger friends because I want conflicting answers just to add to my indecision ;-) So let's see what you think. Let's start with the oval table which was a thrift buy I repainted many years ago. (You can click on any picture to enlarge.) This shows it with the accompanying tables.

And here is a better close-up. To me it looks kind of too feminine with my large pieces.

And then there is this dresser from my childhood that serves as a sofa table/desk. Ignore the lack of decor on it--something to do about it being a launching pad for kitties bounding over the couch.....but lets not go there. This piece bothers me the most being white (antiqued actually). It looks way too feminine ever since we bought the large leather couch. Besides black, a subdued red would be another possible color choice.

Here are two very crude photoshopped pics of the desk in black and in red. I do want to mention that this room gets lots of light. My pictures always look darker due to the light coming in from the porch area. (I would be changing the chair cover to something more appropriate.)

OK, let's have your thoughts. To paint or not to paint--that is the question. I'll answer first: I'm leaning towards black. Now your turn. Confuse me!

Chelsea Does Art

2009-09-14T09:37:00.005-04:00

Remember when I was doing the bathroom makeover recently and part of the decision making was choosing a new toilet paper holder? Well I thought I had found the cat's meow with the above design. After it was installed I decided I would never have another holder that has the springy thing that you put the roll on. You know--the ones that spring themselves across the room when you're trying to put new paper on? With this style it just slips right on. No more wars over who replaces the roll. Well, it also rolls faster and Miss Chelsea Ann Babycakes discovered this little fact. The toilet paper is now a cat toy.

In addition to rolling off reams of paper, Chelsea has learned that she can do art with the tissue. The toilet paper is now her blank canvas. She's a real Picasso I tell you. Take a look.

She's especially into self portraits. You can see it if you look closer. Here, I'll adjust the levels of the photo so you can see the details better. Do you see her kitty face there?

I was a spoil sport and shooed her away......but she came back and finished her masterpiece once I was gone.

Anyone want a signed copy before her prices skyrocket? She's right proud of herself.

A Slice of Heaven

2009-09-10T14:00:00.003-04:00

Please, won't you have a little (or big) slice of heaven with me? I found this wonderful.....gooey........oh my goodness.....delicious in your mouth.....recipe for Heavenly Cake over at Tina's of Cherry Hill Cottage. It is so easy to make and you might already have the needed ingredients on hand. You could make your own right away. I would love to share with you, but you better hurry real fast and get here. This cake doesn't last long. Oh, and I might add that I refrigerate left overs and then microwave a slice for 20 seconds before serving to get it gooey good again. And um, vanilla ice cream on top doesn't spoil it a bit.

My ladies Bible study group started back up this week and it was so good to be back together. It just seemed appropriate to take along some Heavenly Cake to serve and kick off the new year together.

Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy your favorite team's football game. Hope you win.....unless you're playing the Florida Gators of course ;-) Tailgating? Take some Heavenly Cake but be prepared to beat the fans and foes off. Thank you Tina for such a delicious dessert.

Shells~Seasonally Late

2009-09-07T10:53:00.009-04:00

It seems I've been running seasonally late the past year with my decorating. The shells never came out of the box until the middle of the summer. I am already seeing pumpkins cropping up on blogs, but it is still warm and muggy here in Florida. I am still enjoying cooler looking vignettes for now. I shared my shells in the master bath recently when we redid that room. These shells are in my living room. (Every day that I had time to take pictures it was overcast so please excuse the dark photos.)

The corner table displays store bought starfish and apothecaries of the broken shells and pebbles I was drawn to while on vacation. I love the color and textures of both.

I kept the adornment on the mantel simple with more store bought starfish along with broken conchs and lightening whelk I have gathered at the beach. Isn't the pink inside the conch beautiful?

The coffee table has displays of a variety of shells, many of these being store bought as well. I do have some favorite found shells and coral tucked in, along with a horseshoe crab.

Now if you just have to have some orange right now, let me oblige with another pic of new kitty Finnegan Faux Paw. He and I thank you for your kind welcomes in the last post. He and Chelsea have become fast friends, and he has lost any fear of the harmless dogs. When he fattens up some he is going to be a real beauty I think.

Thank you each and every one for your visits. Mr. H returned home from his parents after being away for a whole month. This weekend has been wonderful having him back home! I hope it has been as delightful for you too.

A New Somebody at Lallee's Cottage

2009-09-03T11:18:00.009-04:00

Yes, there is another new baby dwelling here. Let me introduce you to Finnegan Faux Paw. We have always had a special fondness for orange tabbies and he is now the fourth we have owned. I've been watching the local shelter online all summer, and a beautiful litter of them appeared. Oh, it was soooooo very hard to choose which one to bring home!

My son Daniel came along. I was smitten with the good looks of the little guy on the left--beautiful pattern of marbled stripes, cute round eyes. I thought he would be the one that we would adopt. However, mister lover mooshy guy Finnegan (on right) would not give up the act 'pick me, pick me, pick me!!!" The other little guy was a wild thing and gave us little attention. If you've been to a shelter then you know what I'm talking about. Cats pick you. So.......Finnegan won the lottery and came home with us. I wish I could have brought them all home. Sigh.

Did you notice his toes? He has an extra one on each foot. Terradactyl feet. Ernest Hemmingway cat ;-)

And he has big ears, longish fur. He's going to be a big one I think, almost a clone of our first orange tabby Dickens.

You're wondering what Chelsea Ann Babycakes thinks of this new guy in her territory?

She's establishing who's the top-boss.

She bops his head and growls. No claws, all show. Frustrated that he just looks at her and doesn't react. It's all quite funny.

Finnegan is a total lap-cat sweetheart. He's slowly learning the dogs are harmless mooshes themselves. Mr. H can't wait to finally come home this weekend and meet him. I'm already crazy about him.

Some sad news that I never have shared--sweet gentle giant Milo had to be put down back in June. He suffered from diabetes for six years and he finally reached a point where his insulin wasn't working. He was only having bad days. He was a one of a kind, Daniel's first pet. He was the star of my second caption contest. We miss him.

Here is a video of Finnegan and Chelsea. More head bopping.

Silly cats. Happy house.

Iraqi Bundles of Love

2009-08-31T08:30:00.009-04:00

*~*~*~* Deadline for mailing September 8 *~*~*~*

When I read about this opportunity via Happy Zombie, I knew I had to jump in and participate. Time is short but doable. Maybe you would like to join in too! Do you have a stash of fabric and/or yarn you would part with to send love overseas to Iraq? 'Mr. IBOL', (that's what I call him) is a US soldier who is a son and husband of quilters. He came up with a wonderful idea for reaching out with bundles of love. He is leaving Iraq soon but wants to do this one more thing to help leave Iraq better than he found it. It's a beautiful idea. You can read full details on his blog rather than my reinventing the wheel.

Just pack up your bundles per instructions and mail in the $11.95 USPS flat rate box. Easy-peasy. Some additional info from Mr. IBOL that he included in an email:

"Bigger is definitely better -- bigger pieces of fabric, bigger spools of yarn (send the whole bolt; don't sent the whole sheep). Green, by the way, is a favorite color in this culture."

Here is what I am including in mine for an example. I also added some needles and pins.

You didn't know I used to do a little quilting did you? If Carolyn is reading this, do you remember buying some of these with me many years ago? The pretty soft yellows? We both actually finished our projects! Here's mine. All hand sewn. I will always look at this now and remember that bundle of love I shipped off to far, far away.

Happy Zombie made the beautiful IBOL button at the top! Thank you HZ for spreading the word.

Updated: My package is now in the mail.

Chelsea Ann Babycakes is crossing her paws hoping she can be the barracks pinup girl.

The Backyard Garden

2009-08-28T11:17:00.004-04:00

I tidied up this section of the backyard early this summer. I planted two Knockout Roses, a Hydrangea I started from a cutting, and planted Morning Glory seeds at the base of the trellis. The roses have bloomed all summer (no pictures) and I love how the glories have stationed themselves on the trellis.

These were a variety of seeds I tried.

This planter stand has only one skinny sad morning glory on it. The green you see on the ground is stink vine. It is the kudzu of Florida. Awful. I could crochet an Afghan the size of Florida if I could have back all the time I spend pulling it out. May it get the pox and die! Can you tell I hate it?

Earlier this summer my Stokes Asters were blooming pretty below the bird bath. I like their fringed faces.

Chelsea wishes she could be out in the yard with us. Look how much she is growing! Remember when she was teeny tiny?

Well, now she's a teenager! And she acts like one. See the look on her face? That's the signal she's about to do something she knows she should not.

It's a good thing I gave her more than one name so I can say her whole name and she'll know I mean business. Chelsea Ann Babycakes get down!!!!!

You better thank your lucky stars your daddy is still in Georgia! That's all I'm sayin'.

Prayers for baby Malaya Rose

2009-08-25T07:38:00.003-04:00

Update Wednesday: Wonderful news! Malaya's surgery is over and both procedures on her heart were successful. She will be in ICU for a couple of days and hopefully back home in a week. The parents gave permission for a video of her surgery to be shown on Youtube. The doctor, Redmond Burke, already has several posted there. I told my sister she will be a little movie star. LOL Of course, all you would be able to see was her little beating heart. Amazing huh? Thank you so much for your prayers!

*********************************

I originally posted about my great-niece Malaya Rose here. Today she sees the surgeon and if all is well then she will have surgery tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:00 AM. She will have a hole in her heart repaired along with some work near a heart valve. Would you join me in praying for her well being and successful surgery? Also, please pray for God's peace for the family as they wait and to know God's abiding love for them. The family is most apprecitive of your prayers. I'll update this post when the surgery is completed tomorrow.

XOXO!!!
PS I'm not going back to Georgia yet. Mr. H is doing fine and said for me to wait a little longer.

Morning Glories and God's Intricate Weaving

2009-08-24T08:03:00.004-04:00

God's mercies are new every morning.

Do you recall my planting Morning Glory seeds at the base of this bench in my front yard? The new seeds I had bought, pretty white with pink accents, never did grow. Instead this old seed single volunteer came forth. I like where it grew and how it wove itself just so around the bench and wreath.

The sermon I heard yesterday made me recall the Morning Glories. Our pastor shared about God's shalom of peace. The literal translation refers to a garment intricately woven with many threads making a cloak that completely envelops and cloaks us. Keeps us safe. Warms us. Brings peace.

Then the pastor referred to us as individual threads meant to be woven into the fabric to cloak our communities with God's peace and blessings. When we refuse God to use us where he chooses to weave us, then we remain single useless threads and deny our communities God's blessings. And peace.

Sometimes we don't like the stories or people God chooses to weave us into. When we comply, by His strength, then we become part of that beautiful garment. Where is God weaving you? Whose life are you denying to be woven into to bring them blessings? God makes no mistakes where He puts us. Not only do you bring His peace, but when you are woven together with other threads you receive His peace too. May each of you be cloaked in His garment of peace and love through His Son Jesus, the most beautiful thread of all. Today is a new week. May you be sensitive to his weaving.

I head back to Georgia tomorrow to my in-laws. As you can imagine, God is using this message to soften my heart in needed places. May I be part of His garment of peace to a couple who is fearful of their future, doubtful of a Father's love. Let me be a loose instrument in His hands to be woven into their lives however He chooses to use me.

I wish I had time to read your blogs and comment. Please know I am thinking of each of you if I don't get by, or leave a comment. Thank you for your friendship. Tomorrow I have a special prayer request for my great-niece Malaya. Please come back to visit.

Happy 30th Birthday Baby Boy!

2009-08-22T07:21:00.003-04:00

Happy 30th birthday to my baby boy, Jacob!

We're thinking of you and hope to celebrate with you soon.
Have a smashing time at the beach this weekend.

We love you more than words could ever say.
Love,
Mom and Dad

FIL Update

2009-08-22T06:39:00.003-04:00

Hello dear, dear friends. My father-in-law was finally moved from the hospital to rehab on Wednesday. The physical therapists are trying to help him regain strength so he won't be bed ridden. He was not cooperative his first day. Three strikes and he'll be out. Sigh. He will not be having bypass surgery as he is not strong enough. He is being treated with meds instead. We worked hard to keep my MIL fed and rested to help keep her dementia to a minimum level.

Thank you so very much for your prayers. I cannot tell you how much they are appreciated. I came home yesterday and Mr. H remained with his mom to help her. I will most likely return on Tuesday--just had to come home and check on things on this end......hug Sawyer and Chelsea. Missed them so!

The swan is on the lake in front of my in-laws' home. The Scotties and I had to walk down to the water's edge from time to time to regain some serenity. This morning I go to a women's leaders breakfast at church. It will be like an oasis being with those ladies. My soul will be refreshed. Keep good thoughts for Mr. H while he is in Georgia without me.

Prayers for Family

2009-08-06T06:26:00.007-04:00

Update 8/10: My father-in-law is still in ICU. I hope to go up to Georgia to give my husband some help caring for his parents. Right now I have a stomach flu and I am stuck at home until I am germ free. Chelsea is doing fine after her spay. Thank you so much for your prayers.

We went to Georgia last weekend to check on my in-laws. Tuesday, the day after we returned, we were notified that Mr. H's father George had a heart attack and was in ICU. Back to Georgia Mr. H went. His father is still in ICU, stable but with lower oxygen rate than the doctor's prefer. He will need bypass surgery in a month. This will be difficult for a man who is already semi-invalid from a stroke three years ago. Mr. H's mom has beginning dementia. Would you pray for them?

We take the back roads when we travel to and from there, a six hour drive. It's peaceful and we always talk a lot about where the future is going with his parents. We're not the first ones to face this in life~caring for parents. I have kindred spirits walking this same journey. We worry for their well being when they are far away and we are the only care givers. See the cows above sheltering themselves in the shade? We are sheltering ourselves under God's invisible hand as we seek His guidance, and pray for the parents to be under His care and love......that they would know Him too. I also eat comfort food on the trips. This time it was a Krispy Creme doughnut with chocolate icing and Florida Gator orange and blue sprinkles.

I crocheted....... and looked at hay bales scattered like life seems sometimes........

and in neat rows the way God is able to order what seems out of control.

I'm standing by at home in case I need to go back to Georgia too. Otherwise I will go at the time of surgery.

Speaking of surgery, little Chelsea gets spayed today. Would you say a little prayer for her too? I know she'll be fine. She had a traumatic vet visit Tuesday when they took her blood to be sure she was healthy. I heard such screaming coming from the back of the office I thought I was going to have to ask the vet to tranquilize ME. See the little spot under her neck where they took the blood? Poor baby.

Thank you for your prayers. You are so great to have around when life is happening.

Color Fest

2009-07-30T13:19:00.007-04:00

I promised you I was still into colors, so let me show you that I speak the truth. See the gorgeous Heather Bailey fabrics hanging there in the studio? They are part of my birthday present last month. I've had my eye on them for a year and marked in my favorites on Etsy. So, when Mr. H asked for present ideas.......I was ready with an answer. I need your help though. I want to make pillows for myself and I haven't sewn in like forever.

I have scissor fear and don't want to make a mistake.
Would you come hold my hand while I make my first cut??????

If that's not enough color explosion for you, keep reading. How about some living color thrift finds? Two crochet afghans for example.

I found the gold afghan a few months ago. I have been studying it and trying to figure out what the pattern is. I just love the pattern. The vintage doily is from an Etsy purchase--love the cottage colors.

Then I found this beauty for only $2.00. Both afghans washed beautifully. You know I drew to this one like a magnet when the RED caught my eye. I spread it out on the bed so you could have a full look.

Chelsea approves.

A vintage needlepoint cottage from Etsy is next. The top section is a little dirty looking--your thoughts or suggestions on washing it? I'm thinking cold water soak in Woolite. It's my kind of colors!

Look at this adorable cupcake plate from Marshalls. Fun colors and cute!

Speaking of cupcakes, my Cherry Delight Cupcake will be debuting in my Etsy shop today.
Was that enough color for you? Great. Now come over and hold my hand while I cut that fabric!

Shell Art

2009-07-27T18:34:00.001-04:00

Remember the plain white frames I had on the wall in the previous post of the bathroom make-over? I said I had done some shell art on them since the photos were taken. Well, here they are--my little thrifty frames looking oh so much more charming than this:

Yes indeed.

Here is the process I used in case you want to make one yourself.

I made a trial run with the shells in the frame without glue so I would have some idea how I wanted them to look. See the frame on the left below--not glued down. I tried my small broken shell bits for background but realized that the shells got a little lost in the busyness. Sand was going to look better. I was glad I did the mock-upversion first!

I dabbed the inside of the frame with Elmer's glue and used a brush dampened with water to spread it all over smoothly. (no photo of the spread glue)

Once the glue was spread evenly I sprinkled sand all over. I turned the frame over and gently tapped to remove any excess and see where I needed to add more glue.

I don't have a photo, but I dabbed some glue dots around to catch just a few of the broken bits of shell for some texture, then I started gluing on the shells randomly. I added the glue to the shells generously and then placed them one at a time. The glue dries clear. I did try to be careful and not let it get on the top side of the shells.

Lastly, I practiced patience as I waited for the glue to dry. Actually, I failed this last step because well I am an impatient person. So the real last step is to glue back any shells that fall off! Fortunately it was only a couple for me. The frames are residing back on the new bathroom wall again and I like the little bit of color that catches my eye from them.

I want to make more! Words don't describe the wonderful emotions and memories that shells evoke for me. I can remember where I was and which vacation we were on when I picked many of them up on favorite beaches.

I had wonderful inspiration for this project from Natasha at Artistic Creations. You must see the wonderful shell art she created for her parents here. I visited her photos numerous times--so very charming.

I treasured each and every comment on my bathroom makeover. I am trying to get around and do some blog visiting of my own but have had quite a problem with Blogger and your blogs loading, mine too. Is it just me having a problem? It's been somewhat better today. Anyway, I thank you for taking the time to let me know you're there. It means so much!

Complete bathroom reveal found here.

Bathroom Reveal

2009-07-24T13:30:00.002-04:00

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.
I apologize in advance for the long post.
The process and before pics are in recent posts.

Here you go! The bathroom is complete except for a small amount of tile work in the shower and the installation of the glass enclosure. You can't see the wallpaper anymore!!! We did not strip the paper but instead primed it, sprayed orange peel for texture, and then painted. It's hard to capture the true color of the walls. Just picture a slightly pinkish beige--like silly putty actually.

Walls: Behr Pebbled Courtyard, semi gloss
Trim: Behr Polar Bear, semi gloss enamel

I'll walk you through some of the details.

Curtain rods and valances from Pennys.

Wall cabinet in toilet area and lights are from Lowes.

Bath fixtures also from Lowes. We changed the faucet on the sink a few years ago.

I worked on the accessories while Mr. H was painting the walls. I challenged myself to use only items I already owned. I went crazy with white spray paint. LOL The pets almost got included! I love the simplicity and unity all the white has created. I wasn't that fond of my white tile with the wallpaper but now I love it!

Notice the two small frames on the wall above? I have since done a shell craft in the centers. I'll share that in another post. Here is what they looked like before as a fifty cent thrift buy. Yuggly-ugly (to me at least).

Chair before--purchased at a thrift store $5 a few years ago. (I have a matching one in the studio to be painted red.)

I covered the cushion in a remnant piece of fabric that I have had for years--so glad to finally use it somewhere. I sit here to put my makeup on each day.

I spray painted this tea cart that I bought several years ago for $5.00. A glass company made a mirror for the missing top for $10 or $15. It only took about ten years to get around to painting it!

I love the morning light!

And I love this sweet print. Can you believe the print came from the Dollar Tree (a few years ago)?

I added more shells around the pink pottery and tucked in some tea lights. I feel a long bath coming soon 'cause my bones are weary after all this work!

If you're still looking or reading at this point, you are real troopers! XOXO for hanging in there with me. You really are the best kindred spirits! OK special friends, I'm off for a long hot soak, but come back soon because I have not deserted bright colors. I have some things to show you that are bright and yummy!!!

PS Paint is my BFF!!!!

Posts of the bathroom before and more of the process can be found here and here and here.
Still waiting for glass enclosure.

How to Paint High Places

2009-07-21T16:44:00.004-04:00

Suppose you have a large tub and a high wall and need to reach the high wall for painting purposes. How do you get there? Let me show you. First, build the above contraption over your tub. You'll need some 2x4's, 2x6's or whatever you can scrounge in your garage. Oh, put a drop cloth over the tub first so it doesn't get scratched. It provides false comfort as a safety net too. Now place the supports over the tub and then a piece of plywood over them. Get the stool from the kitchen and place that on top. When you have this all ready you call in OSHA for safety inspection. No, not the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the other OSHA--Occupational Scottie and House cat Administration. You don't want to climb on this contraption until you know it's safe.

Inspector Baggins comes in to check:
Are those supports secure?

Chelsea, I think you better look below and be sure:

Baggins, you always make me do the dirty work. I see no hidden hazards under the drop cloth.

Let's look under here.

Yep, it's pretty safe.......I think. It's certainly cozy if that helps.

Dad, I'll catch you if you fall.

OK OSHA, now you need to inspect above the shower before Dad climbs up there next.

Forget that! Cats don't do ladders. Call me when you're done. I'm bored with all this work and I don't do overtime.

And that is how you paint dangerous high places. Special thanks to OSHA for helping us get it done safely. Mr. H climbed and climbed until he had all the walls primed, then sprayed with orange peel, and finally painted. Whew! Now we're tired! I promise the reveal in my next post. I am recovering and editing pictures.

Bathroom Redo~Plumbing Fixtures

2009-07-21T07:21:00.006-04:00

We have been working nonstop on the bathroom redo and the majority of the work has been completed. Let me share the fixture changes. The photo above is the new brushed nickel fixture for the whirlpool tub. Below is the the old fixture. I don't think it was ever meant to fit a tub like this. The spout barely reached far enough and the water trickled down the side.

Mr. H accessed the plumbing via the wall in the shower to make the switch. The tile needed repair so it was change the fixture now or never. (He does nice tile work too.)

When he saw the plumbing he learned why we practically had no flow of water in the tub. Notice where the arrow is pointing in the next picture. The plumbers had reduced the pipe size which reduced the flow of water down to that tiny pipe! It didn't look much bigger than an pencil. No wonder it took five hundred years for the tub to fill!

What were they thinking?????? Let me do a little hooray and thank you that we now have Niagara Falls flowing into the tub! I'm going to be using the tub a lot more in the future. Maybe even bubble baths like this.

Now, on to the shower fixture, but let me try to explain about the shower in general. The faucet was on the wall opposite the shower door. Before my hero Mr. H worked on this plumbing, you had two choices when you turned the shower on. Here is an old picture so you can sort of see what I am talking about. There was just no way to turn on that water and not get wet.

My version was to turn on the water while standing naked in the corner against the freezing tile while I waited for the hot water to get all the way from the other side of the house--forever. Really no fun in the winter! Mr. H chose to turn it on and jump out of the shower until it was hot, but he had to get wet in the process. All that is history now. Oh, I am so pleased! Look what he did:

The faucet can now be reached from outside the door. I am in love with him! Another problem was the door was backwards and the towels were behind the door. Actually, when we bought the house the towel bars were in the toilet room. Really no fun if you forgot to grab your towel before getting in! The door will be reversed when the new enclosure is installed. Here is the new shower fixture and a sneak peek of the new paint. We took the shower enclosure out ourselves to make painting access easier. We give thumbs up for the new rain can. I may become the cleanest person in the nation now. I may just live in the shower or tub for a month.

We replaced the sink fixtures with brushed nickel and brass a few years ago. It is nice to finally have the rest matching. I'll post again later today showing how Mr. H reached all the high and dangerous places to paint (my hero). Hang in there with me, the finish is coming soon. You're the best! I loved hearing that some of you are doing projects too and have been removing wall paper and have gotten those paint cans out. I want to see!

Bathroom Update and Some Staging

2009-07-16T12:37:00.006-04:00

There's still lots to do in the master bath makeover, but I just had to take a pause and play a little with some vignettes! I re-grouted the tile around the tub and that fresh clean white was just begging to have some accessories put on top. You can see the wallpaper is still showing. We will do the painting last.

I have wanted to display some of the shells I brought home from vacation and just could not wait any longer.

Notice the broken shells around the candle. I love the pretty colors. Normally I would use beach sand, but thought this idea might work. I like!

Some little coral pieces are tucked around some bath oil beads.

I think other beach goers were wondering why I was picking up the plain white shells and especially the worn broken pieces, but then they weren't able to see this vision I had in my head. The pink pottery belonged to my mother, who taught me the joy of shell collecting.

I just love the way shells wear in the surf with age. Look at the Swiss cheese holes left in them. I love the textures. The simplicity of being all white makes for a serene setting.

Coming next time will be the plumbing of the new fixtures. Mr. H had quite an adventure when he saw what the building plumbers had done! Stay tuned. He's my hero.

What's for Lunch?

2009-07-09T08:07:00.004-04:00

What are you having for lunch? I love salads in the summer, and I've been eating this version almost every day. Here's what's in it:

Spring salad greens, roasted red peppers,
avacado, black olives,
shredded parmesan cheese, croutons,
Newman's Own Lite Raspberry and Walnut dressing

This combination is delish!!!

Did you notice the little flip-flops in the first pic? Adorable beach towel found at Wal-Mart! It's now draped over my wicker on the porch where I have flip-flop print cushions. (I took a picture and now can't find it!)

Speaking of eating greens--caught in the act!!!!

On my Knockout Rose bush!!!
Would he like Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette on that?

Could you come fix my lunch today? I'm going to be busy regrouting the bathtub tile and Mr. H is installing a faboulous new shower head and faucet......and our oldest son is coming home from NC to visit! Oh, and the third son is coming home for the weekend. No time like a full house to do a bathroom makeover. The five of us will be sharing the other bath together ;-)

Master Bathroom Update

2009-07-07T19:27:00.006-04:00

The walls in the um toilet area are finished. It's impossible to get a good photo here.

First, before I forget--that is just a tablecloth tucked over the window. I was trying it out for color's sake. I want to have a clean neat look and I think I want to use white. More accesorizing will be coming. Do you think I can find a simple white valance anywhere? NO!!!!!! The one shot I finally had was Target where I stood and stared at the empty peg where the white sailcloth valances were supposed to be. I doubt Target is continuing them because the website has other colors in that style but no white. However, let's not get hung up there. Let's move on with what is done so far.

Mr. H used a wall finishing product by Behr that we do not recommend. We will not be using it on the other walls! It was messy and difficult to get even.

We put a new flush handle on. Amazing what small changes can do.

And in case you were wondering, here's the new TP hanger. Mr. H was really just kidding about the ones I showed you the other day. But hey, if he had a lodge in the woods I could go for one of those choices. We changed our faucet fixtures to satin nickle and brass a few years ago so we're keeping everything in that vein metal-wise. I have to ask, are you an over or an under? My TP has to go OVER!

Now before I do a big celebration dance I must remind myself what the rest of the bathroom looks like. I had to be careful I didn't spackle my face instead of putting my makeup on. Maybe I should try it anyway!

Let's see what I can point out in this next picture besides a giant ladder. The pink valance--gone since the photo was taken. The brass shower enclosure--getting estimates for a new one. I'll explain more about why later. The chandelier over the tub? We put it up a few months ago--need to lower it some. Ah, and the wallpaper stuck on like super glue? It's still there. Wait.......drum roll please...... Home Depot man says Behr primer is amazing and we can paint over the paper. We're going to try it!

Now, let me go on record here. If the wallpaper ever started to peel after it has been such a challenge to get off.......if that were to happen......I'm not stripping it. I will put the house on the market and sell it as is. Period! All you kindred spirits who also have wallpaper removal woes, please hold our hands through this part.

Oh, before I close let me be indulgent and show you a Chelsea video in the bathroom. You'll have to tilt your head sideways because I forget I can't turn the camera when I take a video. Oops. She's still just as cute sideways.

I'll never buy her another toy--she doesn't need them ;-)